Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 12 - COUNCIL READING FILE_a_Open Space Winter Evening Hours Pilot Program - Final Summary Council Memo March 9, 2021 TO: Mayor & City Council FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager VIA: Robert Hill, Sustainability & Natural Resources Official SUBJECT: Pilot Program for Extended Open Space Hours of Use During Winter Months This memorandum provides a final summary report of wildlife survey results, visitor utilization rates, and overall observations over the course of the City’s Pilot Program for Extended Open Space Hours of Use During Winter Months at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve. The Pilot Program took place during the winter seasons when daylight savings time is not in effect in 2018-19, 2019- 20, and 2020-21. The City Council will recall that its final approval of the Pilot Program, following citizen input and a study session, also included adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. This document concluded that potentially significant impacts to Biological Resources could occur but would be less than significant with mitigation measures incorporated. These measures are as follows: BIO-1 Wildlife Monitoring and Adaptive Management. City staff and biological consultants shall conduct regular, weekly monitoring and evaluation of both human use and wildlife use of the Reserve. This will be done by deploying an EcoCounterTM device to track frequency of human use and hours of use at the Reserve, as well as four wildlife game cameras (Bushnell or similar model), cover boards, detection equipment such as a bat detector (Petterson D500x), and field surveys to monitor and track nocturnal wildlife composition, activity, and behavior. Regular evening patrols of the trails within the Reserve by Ranger Service staff will also provide anecdotal observations. BIO-2 Wildlife Water Sources. The Reserve features a developed spring proximate to the historic Lemon Grove. This spring will be used to grav ity feed water to two wildlife-friendly “guzzlers,” or troughs, while still returning flow to the natural drainage path of the spring. This will provide additional watering sources that will benefit wildlife by decreasing the level of energy required to fi nd water and decreasing competition among different species for water. BIO-3 Public Information and Education Materials. City staff shall develop additional information and educational materials for the public that is specific to this pilot program. These materials will re-iterate the City’s rules and regulations in effect, as well as highlight the sensitivity of evening use and potential for wildlife interactions and impacts. These informational materials will be available on the City’s website, on the main kiosk at the entrance of the Reserve, and on pamphlets that can be handed out or placed in a rack on the kiosk. BIO-4 Evening Use Permitting System. City staff shall develop an online internet-based permitting system in order to ensure that evening use (from one hour after sunset until 8:30 PM) during the pilot program period is kept at or below existing average daily baseline use of 65 individuals. Individuals will be required to have evidence that they have the required permit in their possession. Ind ividuals that are stopped by Ranger personnel and do not possess a permit will be subject to citation under municipal code section 12.22.050(B). The City’s Ranger Service and Natural Resources Program staff can confirm that each of these mitigation measures were carried out, as follows: Pilot Program for Extended Open Space Hours of Use During Winter Months Page 2 1. Wildlife surveys were conducted by qualified biologists with the firm Terra Verde Environmental during the course of the Pilot Program. In addition, wildlife game cameras were deployed and monitored by Ranger Service staff and regular field monitoring and patrol also occurred. Observed wildlife species were numerous and included barn owl, great-horned owl, sharp-shinned hawk, deer, coyote, woodrats, and mice. Terra Verde’s reports are included here as Attachment A. 2. An EcoCounterTM device that uses infrared technology to capture use data was installed at the Marsh Street trailhead in a location chosen to capture single users at a time (as opposed to multiple hikers or bikers together). EcoCounter Remote Sensing Device Pilot Program for Extended Open Space Hours of Use During Winter Months Page 3 3. Two wildlife watering stations, or guzzlers, were installed by Ranger Service staff proximate to the Lemon Grove and the eucalyptus grove, together with remote-sensing wildlife game cameras. Wildlife species observations captured on the City’s cameras over the course of the Pilot Program were similar in composition to that observed by Terra Verde Environmental during their field work. Wildlife Camera Wildlife on Camera Water Source Pilot Program for Extended Open Space Hours of Use During Winter Months Page 4 4. Public information and educational materials were prepared and installed at the Marsh Street trailhead kiosk by Ranger Service staff. 5. A website-based application, or “App” was developed specifically for the Pilot Program by the firm iiiDesign for interested parties to secure the necessary permit for evening hours of use. Paper copy permits were also available from the Parks and Recreation Office, or in- the-field from Rangers when available. Pilot Program for Extended Open Space Hours of Use During Winter Months Page 5 Additional observations and lessons learned from the Pilot Program are as follows: 1. Overall utilization of the Pilot Program was dramatically higher in December compared to the other months across all three years. This is very likely due to the holiday lighting that is placed on the summit of Cerro San Luis, which is not located on the City’s property. Demand was high enough during these times that people were turned away by Ranger Service staff, which likely resulted in hikers accessing the mountain from other locations. There were also numerous instances of non-compliance (individuals tracked with the Eco- Counter that exceeded the number of permits available). There is a clear year over year upward trend of overall use and interest in the Pilot Program; this is especially true for year three during the COVID-19 pandemic. All available permits were issued almost every night in December each year, compared to a much lower average of permits issued per night when the lights were not lit up. Rangers also noticed a subjective difference in the type of user while the lights were up versus when they were not. Users hoping to visit the lights at the top of the mountain often appeared to be less familiar with the open space rules and regulations, and less well prepared. 2. There were some minor “glitches” with the permit App during the beginning period of the first year of the Pilot Program that resulted in the possibility of additional permits beyond the 65 allowed in total being issued, but this problem was quickly rectified. 3. There was a trend of users of the permit App to inadvertently reserve numerous permits for the same evening, likely due to hitting the submit function repeatedly, resulting in some hikers not being able to retrieve a permit that was inadvertently reserved by someone else. 4. A simple web-based survey was sent to all users who were issued a permit. Based on 166 responses, many users were happy with their experience getting a permit and felt that the expanded hours of use improved their overall experience in Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve. Others expressed concerns for wildlife and with crowding and associated impacts. Some people expressed displeasure with the difficulty getting a permit due to the 65 per day permit cap. The majority of users used the expanded hours only 1-3 times while the program was in effect. About 1/3 of users reported encountering some kind of wildlife during their night use; the most commonly reported were rat/mouse and owl, while one user reported seeing a mountain lion. A final summary of Pilot Program statistics for all three years is included as Attachment B to this memorandum. Pilot Program for Extended Open Space Hours of Use During Winter Months Page 6 ATTACHMENT A Terre Verde Environmental – Summary Reports September 13, 2017 Mr. Bob Hill Natural Resources Manager City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 TERRA ·VERDE Environmentol Consulting RE: Summary and Results of Wildlife Surveys at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, City of San Luis Obispo, California The City of San Luis Obispo (City) is considering extending the hours of use for one or more City open space properties. Of specific interest is Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve (Reserve) based on location, surrounding land uses, proximity to traffic, and amount of use currently occurring on the Reserve. Terra Verde Environmental Consulting, LLC (Terra Verde) was retained to assist the City with gathering data that will help inform the City's decision-making process for extended use hours of the Reserve. Prior to conducting the surveys, a review of aerial photography was conducted and a site visit with City staff occurred on September 8, 2017. Past reports prepared for or by the City regarding this property were also reviewed (City of San Luis Obispo Natural Resources; Tenera Environmental 2004). General Survey Methodology Terra Verde biologists Brooke Langle and Rhett Blanton conducted the first survey on September 9, 2017. The survey was conducted along the Lemon Grove Loop Trail with a visual scan of surrounding areas. During this survey, four coverboards were installed in two differing habitat types, acoustic monitoring for bats was set up, and spotlighting for wildlife was conducted. Environmental conditions consisted of partially clear skies, S­ mile per hour (mph) winds, and temperatures ranging between 60 and 70° Fahrenheit (F). Methods for the acoustic bat monitoring are discussed below in further detail. A second survey was conducted on September 12, 2017 by Ms. Langle accompanied by staff associate Levi Heit. Coverboards were checked, additional acoustic data collection occurred, and spotlighting for wildlife was conducted. Environmental conditions 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 TERRA · VERDE Environmentol Consulting consisted of overcast/foggy skies, 8-15 mph winds, and temperatures ranging between 65 and 70° F. During the surveys, all species observed directly and/or indirectly (e.g., tracks, scat, call, remains, and acoustic observation) were documented. Acoustic Bat Monitoring Methodology A Pettersson DSOOx bat detector was employed for several hours after sunset during the two survey periods. The detector was placed along the margins of a eucalyptus row on the east side of the City's project, near a recently installed water trough. Bats were observed emerging from the eucalyptus as well as coming up from the residential neighborhoods downslope. Following field acoustic monitoring, recorded full spectrum data was analyzed using SonoBat US West (Szewczak). Each bat recording was identified to species level when possible. Additional acoustic monitoring is planned for the upper, rocky peak areas of the Reserve. Wildlife Results Environmental conditions and anthropogenic activity levels varied between the September 9 and September 12, 2017 survey efforts. The first survey had mostly clear skies, warmer weather, and very little human activity noted at the beginning of the survey and no activity noted after dark. The second survey occurred with high fog cover, higher wind conditions, cooler weather, and more human activity. On September 12, the parking lot at the trail head was full and people were observed heading up the mountain at 6:30 p.m. After sunset and for approximately one-half hour after sunset, several mountain bikers were observed coming down the mountain with headlamps illuminated. One flashlight was observed coming down from the peak of Cerro San Luis Obispo at approximately 10:00 p.m. Coverboards Two of the coverboards were placed in coastal sage scrub off the lower Lemon Grove loop trail. Two additional coverboards were placed under the canopy of a coast live oak tree and downslope from that board, in a mixed scrub habitat. It often takes a period of time for coverboards to develop an advantageous microclimate and for species to discover them. As such, the check of the newly installed coverboards did not result in finding any species under them. Coverboards remained at the site following the surveys for follow-up data collection. Bats The first night of acoustic monitoring resulted in up to three species of bat being recorded. The highest confidence recording was of a Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 TERRA · VERDE Environmentol Consulting brasiliensis), with two poorer recordings indicating hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) and silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). Approximately 10 bats were visually observed flying over the recording station within the first hour after sunset. Some of these bats appeared to be flying up the mountain from the surrounding neighborhood. Mexican free-tailed bats are known to inhabit daytime roosts in the surrounding neighborhoods, including residential structures (Langle, personal communication). The second night was less ideal for capturing bat recordings due to windy and cooler conditions. Only one bat was observed flying above the recording station and no bat calls were captured by the detector. Spotlighting After bat recording was set up and observations occurred during the hour after sunset, the biologists walked the trail system, stopping frequently to scan up the surrounding area with high powered flashlights or spotlights. Any eyeshine detected was investigated and binoculars were used to identify species. The survey occurred up to three hours after sunset. The following species were observed during the first spotlighting effort: great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) roosting in eucalyptus grove above trail, barn owl (Tyto alba) foraging from top of small cypress tree near trail, American kestrel (Falco sparverius), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and two mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). The area around the eucalyptus tree line, the coast line oak woodland higher up the mountain, and the seep appeared to be more active than the more open grassland habitats. The second spotlighting effort resulted in observing: great horned owl (on the edge of the eucalyptus grove, a coyote (Canis latrans) near the spring, two mule deer, a mountain lion (Puma concolor), and three raccoons (Procyon lotor). Wildlife Species Discussion There are numerous wildlife species that inhabit the Reserve and surrounding areas of Cerro San Luis. There is a potential for special status species to occur, however, there are limited records of sensitive species occurring within the Reserve. The report prepared for the City in 2004 noted the following sensitive species: •San Diego desert woodrat (federal and state species of special concern) •Bats, unknown species (local concern) •Ornate shrew (local concern) •Raptors (local concern) 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 TERRA · VERDE Environmentol Consulting •Yellow-rumped warbler (local concern) •Rufous-crowned sparrow (local concern) •Western skink (local concern) •Monarch butterflies (local concern) The recent survey effort added to this list with the following species observed: •Bats (Mexican free-tailed, hoary-local concern) •Mountain lion (local concern) The results of the September 2017 surveys provide a small sample of wildlife utilizing Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve. A true inventory of species would require a long-term survey and monitoring effort occurring over multiple seasons and conditions to thoroughly understand and document wildlife usage of the Reserve. The City has set up remote sensing camera stations and they intend to monitor those over a period of time. The results of species captured by these cameras will further inform the City about the diversity of wildlife using the Reserve. The Reserve is heavily used by the public including occasional unauthorized nighttime use, as confirmed during the 2017 surveys. As such, baseline disturbance has been occurring on the Reserve. Impacts to wildlife by authorizing extended hours on the Reserve are largely unknown but may include: •Disruption of normal foraging for nocturnal and crepuscular species (i.e., those that forage at or just after sundown); •Increased energy usage as a result of disturbance; •Disruption of breeding or nesting behaviors; •Increased risk for predation for species flushed by human activity; and •Abandonment of habitat near recreational uses. The amount of disturbance and impacts to wildlife species as a result of nighttime activity will be variable depending on the level of use, the type of uses, and the season of use. For example, hikers that may linger at certain locations will likely cause more disturbance than a single mountain bike passing by quickly. The addition of dogs, especially if not kept on leash, would increase the level of disturbance to wildlife using the Reserve. Of particular concern for all species, uses during breeding, nesting, and rearing seasons for wildlife on the Reserve may have the greatest level of impact. Maternal roosts of bats are particularly sensitive to disturbance and parents may abandon young/roosts during this season. 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 TERRA · VERDE Environmentol Consulting Generally speaking, the time of year that most species are breeding, nesting, and rearing is from February through early September. A range of seasons for some of the species known to or expected to occur are listed below. Mountain lion (Puma concolor) Females may be in estrus at any time of the year, but in California, most births probably occur in spring. Gestation period 82-97 days; litter size is 2-4 (range 1-6). Young become independent during second year. Habitat includes caves and other natural cavities, and thickets are used for denning. Gray fox {Urocyon cinereoargenteus) Breeding occurs February to March, with most births occurring in April, following a gestation of approximately 63 days. Average litter size is 4 pups; range 2-7. Young are weaned at 4 weeks and become independent at around 10 months. Habitat includes dens in natural cavities, in rocky areas, snags, logs, brush, slash and debris piles, abandoned burrows, and under buildings. Nest material is usually dry grass, leaves, or shredded bark. Townsend's big eared bat {Corynorhinus townsendii) Breeding occurs November to February; gestation lasts 56-100 days. Births occur in May and June, peaking in late May. A single litter of one is produced annually. Young are weaned in 6 weeks and fly in 2.5-3 weeks after birth. Maternity roosts are found in caves, tunnels, mines, and buildings. Small clusters or groups (usually fewer than 100 individuals) of females and young form the maternity colony. Maternity roosts are in relatively warm sites. Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) Breeding occurs October to February with fertilization delayed; gestation is 53-71 days. Young are born from April-July, mostly from May-June. Litter size is 1-3. The altricial young are weaned in 7 weeks, and are observed flying in July and August. Habitat includes day roosts in caves, crevices, mines, and occasionally in hollow trees and buildings. Roost must protect bats from high temperatures. Night roosts may be in more open sites, such as porches and open buildings. White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) Breeding occurs February to October, with peak from May to August. Female only incubates, for about 28 days. Average clutch 4-5 eggs, range 3-6. Young fledge in 35-40 days. Habitat includes a nest of loosely piled sticks and twigs and lined with grass, straw, or rootlets. Nests are often placed near top of dense oak, willow, or other tree stand; usually 6-20 m (20-100 ft) above ground. Nests are located near open foraging area. 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Mule deer {Odocoileus hemionus) TERRA · VERDE Environmentol Consulting Breeding occurs January to April; gestation period is about 200 days. Does can give birth to one, two, or three fawns, though triplets are rare. Fawns are born in late spring to mid-summer. Fawns are weaned in the fall after about 60-75 days and continue to stay with their mothers during the first year. Habitat includes foothills and mountain peaks. Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Breeds in spring. Young emerge 4 days after eggs are laid, with 2 weeks as a caterpillar, and 10 days as a chrysalis. Habitat includes open fields and meadows with milkweed. Overwintering habitat based on microclimate that provides wind protection. Oak titmouse {Baeolophus inornatus) Breeds March to July, with peak activity in April and May. Lays 3-9 eggs, usually 6-8, with an incubation of 14-16 days. Altricial young tended by both parents in nest about 20 days, and for another 3-4 weeks after leaving the nest hole. Habitat includes nest of grass, moss, mud, hair, feathers, and fur in woodpecker hole, natural cavity, or nest box. Sometimes partially excavates own cavity. Nests up to 10 meters (32 feet) above ground, but usually lower. Often breeds near water. Red-tailed hawk {Buteo jamaicensis) Breeds March to July, peaking in May and June. Clutch of 2-5 eggs, usually 2-3, laid in March and April. Incubates 28-32 days. Semialtricial young fledge in 40-45 days. Habitat is usually placement of nests in large trees near openings, in older, mature forests, especially riparian deciduous habitats. Occasionally nests on cliffs or low ledges. Nests 9- 21 meters (30-70 feet) above ground in trees, higher on cliffs. Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) Breeds February to July, with peak activity April and May. Clutch size 1-5 eggs, usually 3. Young are independent in 17 to 19 weeks. Habitat includes nests in dense riparian habitats. Builds a nest of sticks about half way up in a tall tree. Nest located next to main tree trunk, or on old nests of squirrels, hawks, or crows; lined with strips of bark, dry leaves, and sprigs of evergreens. Western screech owl (Megascops kennicottii) Breeds early February to June. Eggs mostly laid in April. Clutch size 1-8, usually 3-4. Incubation 21-30 day, with nestlings fledging at 28-35 days. Obligate secondary cavity­ nester. Habitat includes uses such as abandoned woodpecker hole, or other cavity in snag, hollow tree, log, stump; occasionally uses nest box. Nest usually 4.6 to 18 m (15-60 ft) above ground. 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Barn owl (Tyto alba) TERRA · VERDE Environmentol Consulting Breeds January to November. Clutch size 3-11, usually 5-7. Incubation 21-24 days, with young fledging at 52-70 days. Habitat is usually nesting on ledges, crevices, or other sheltered areas of cliffs or human-made structures. Also nests in cavities in trees or snags, burrows, culverts, or nest boxes. Summary The information provided is from a limited survey effort during one season of the year, and as such, does not provide a robust analysis of wildlife usage of the Reserve. It is likely that nighttime use will impact wildlife occurring on the Reserve, but the extent and severity of that impact is unknown. Efforts to reduce use during the breeding, nesting, and rearing periods of a year will lessen potential impacts to wildlife. If you should have any questions or require further information, please contact Brooke Langle at blangle@terraverdeweb.com. Sincerely, Brooke Langle Principal Biologist 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 April 16, 2019 Mr. Bob Hill Natural Resources Manager City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 RE: Summary and Results of Wildlife Surveys at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, City of San Luis Obispo, California The City of San Luis Obispo (City) is considering extending the hours of use for one or more City open space properties. Of specific interest is Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve (Reserve) based on location, surrounding land uses, proximity to traffic, and amount of use currently occurring on the Reserve. Terra Verde Environmental Consulting, LLC (Terra Verde) was retained to assist the City with gathering data that will help inform the City’s decision-making process for extended use hours of the Reserve. Initial surveys were completed in 2017 by Terra Verde prior to the implementation of the City’s Night Time Use Pilot program. Following the pilot program, Terra Verde implemented once a month nighttime sampling to collect additional information about wildlife utilizing the Reserve. General Survey Methodology Terra Verde biologists Brooke Langle and Halden Petersen conducted the first survey following the beginning of the pilot program on October 29, 2018. The survey was conducted along an approximate 2-mile loop along the Lemon Grove Loop Trail and the M Trail with a visual scan of surrounding areas. During this survey, spotlighting for wildlife was conducted using binoculars for identification. Additionally, electronic game calls were set up at approximately six locations, spread intermittently along grassland, shrubs, and wooded areas. Three subsequent surveys were conducted on December 05, 2018, January 24, and February 28, 2019 by Terra Verde biologists Riley Chestnut and Sara Snyder. Spotlighting was conducted during all three survey periods along the Lemon Grove Loop and M Trail. 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Environmental conditions during the surveys consisted of the following: • October 29, 2018: Clear skies, 10-15 mile per hour (mph) winds, and temperatures ranging between 60 and 65° Fahrenheit (F). • December 05, 2018: Partially clear skies, 5-10 mph winds, and temperatures ranging between 52 and 56° F. • January 24, 2019: Cloudy, 5-10 mph winds, and temperatures ranging between 57 and 59°F. • February 28, 2019: Partially clear skies, 15-20 mph winds, and temperatures ranging between 55 and 60°F. During the surveys, all species observed directly and/or indirectly (e.g., tracks, scat, call, remains, and acoustic observation) were documented. Wildlife Results Environmental conditions and anthropogenic activity levels varied between the October 29, 2018 and February 28, 2019 survey efforts. The first survey consisted of clear skies and significantly warmer weather, while the subsequent surveys occurred with higher cloud cover and cooler temperatures. Although no hikers were encountered on December 05, 2018, increased human activity was observed during the February survey, including one mountain biker and numerous hikers. Spotlighting The biologists walked the trail system, stopping frequently to scan up the surrounding area with high powered flashlights or spotlights. Any eyeshine detected was investigated and binoculars were used to identify species. The area around the eucalyptus tree line, the coast live oak woodland higher up the mountain, and the seep appeared to have more wildlife activity than the more open grassland habitats. The surveys occurred up to three hours after sunset. The following species were observed during the first spotlighting effort: barn owl (Tyto alba) responding to game call, mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), woodrat (Neotoma sp.), and 2-3 unidentified eyeshine’s, possibly large canines or felines. The second spotlighting effort resulted in observing: two deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), two mule deer, and one sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus). The third spotlighting effort resulted in detecting two great-horned owls (Bubo virginianus) by sound, as well as directly observing three deer mice and one mule deer. 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Lastly, the February spotlighting effort resulted in observing: two barn owls, one woodrat, and one desert cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus audubonii). Wildlife Species Discussion There are numerous wildlife species that inhabit the Reserve and surrounding areas of Cerro San Luis. There is a potential for special-status species to occur, however, there are limited records of sensitive species occurring within the Reserve. The report prepared for the City in 2004 noted the following sensitive species: • San Diego desert woodrat (federal and state species of special concern) • Bats, unknown species (local concern) • Ornate shrew (local concern) • Raptors (local concern) • Yellow-rumped warbler (local concern) • Rufous-crowned sparrow (local concern) • Western skink (local concern) • Monarch butterflies (local concern) A 2017 survey effort by Terra Verde added to this list with the following species observed: • Bats (Mexican free-tailed, hoary – local concern) • Mountain lion (local concern) The results of the October 2018–February 2019 surveys provide a small sample of wildlife utilizing Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve. A true inventory of species would require a long-term survey and monitoring effort occurring over multiple seasons and conditions to thoroughly understand and document wildlife usage of the Reserve. The City has set up remote sensing camera stations and they intend to monitor those over a period of time. The results of species captured by these cameras will further inform the City about the diversity of wildlife using the Reserve. The Reserve is heavily used by the public including occasional unauthorized nighttime use, as confirmed during the 2017 surveys. As such, baseline disturbance has been occurring on the Reserve. Impacts to wildlife by authorizing extended hours on the Reserve are largely unknown but may include: • Disruption of normal foraging for nocturnal and crepuscular species (i.e., those that forage at or just after sundown); • Increased energy usage as a result of disturbance; 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 • Disruption of breeding or nesting behaviors; • Increased risk for predation for species flushed by human activity; and • Abandonment of habitat near recreational uses. The amount of disturbance and impacts to wildlife species as a result of nighttime activity may be variable depending on the level of use, the type of uses, and the season of use. For example, hikers that linger at certain locations will likely cause more disturbance than a single mountain bike passing by quickly. The addition of dogs, especially if not kept on leash, would increase the level of disturbance to wildlife using the Reserve. Of particular concern for all species, uses during breeding, nesting, and rearing seasons for wildlife on the Reserve may have the greatest level of impact. Maternal roosts of bats are particularly sensitive to disturbance and parents may abandon young/roosts during this season. Generally speaking, the time of year that most species are breeding, nesting, and rearing is from February through early September. A range of seasons for some of the species known to or expected to occur are listed below. Mountain lion (Puma concolor) Females may be in estrus at any time of the year, but in California, most births probably occur in spring. Gestation period 82-97 days; litter size is 2-4 (range 1-6). Young become independent during second year. Habitat includes caves and other natural cavities, and thickets are used for denning. Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) Breeding occurs February to March, with most births occurring in April, following a gestation of approximately 63 days. Average litter size is 4 pups; range 2-7. Young are weaned at 4 weeks and become independent at around 10 months. Habitat includes dens in natural cavities, in rocky areas, snags, logs, brush, slash and debris piles, abandoned burrows, and under buildings. Nest material is usually dry grass, leaves, or shredded bark. Townsend’s big eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) Breeding occurs November to February; gestation lasts 56-100 days. Births occur in May and June, peaking in late May. A single litter of one is produced annually. Young are weaned in 6 weeks and fly in 2.5-3 weeks after birth. Maternity roosts are found in caves, tunnels, mines, and buildings. Small clusters or groups (usually fewer than 100 individuals) of females and young form the maternity colony. Maternity roosts are in relatively warm sites. 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) Breeding occurs October to February with fertilization delayed; gestation is 53-71 days. Young are born from April-July, mostly from May-June. Litter size is 1-3. The altricial young are weaned in 7 weeks, and are observed flying in July and August. Habitat includes day roosts in caves, crevices, mines, and occasionally in hollow trees and buildings. Roost must protect bats from high temperatures. Night roosts may be in more open sites, such as porches and open buildings. White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) Breeding occurs February to October, with peak from May to August. Female only incubates, for about 28 days. Average clutch 4-5 eggs, range 3-6. Young fledge in 35-40 days. Habitat includes a nest of loosely piled sticks and twigs and lined with grass, straw, or rootlets. Nests are often placed near top of dense oak, willow, or other tree stand; usually 6-20 m (20-100 ft) above ground. Nests are located near open foraging area. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) Breeding occurs January to April; gestation period is about 200 days. Does can give birth to one, two, or three fawns, though triplets are rare. Fawns are born in late spring to mid-summer. Fawns are weaned in the fall after about 60-75 days and continue to stay with their mothers during the first year. Habitat includes foothills and mountain peaks. Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Breeds in spring. Young emerge 4 days after eggs are laid, with 2 weeks as a caterpillar, and 10 days as a chrysalis. Habitat includes open fields and meadows with milkweed. Overwintering habitat based on microclimate that provides wind protection. Oak titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus) Breeds March to July, with peak activity in April and May. Lays 3-9 eggs, usually 6-8, with an incubation of 14-16 days. Altricial young tended by both parents in nest about 20 days, and for another 3-4 weeks after leaving the nest hole. Habitat includes nest of grass, moss, mud, hair, feathers, and fur in woodpecker hole, natural cavity, or nest box. Sometimes partially excavates own cavity. Nests up to 10 meters (32 feet) above ground, but usually lower. Often breeds near water. Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Breeds March to July, peaking in May and June. Clutch of 2-5 eggs, usually 2-3, laid in March and April. Incubates 28-32 days. Semialtricial young fledge in 40-45 days. Habitat is usually placement of nests in large trees near openings, in older, mature forests, 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 especially riparian deciduous habitats. Occasionally nests on cliffs or low ledges. Nests 9- 21 meters (30-70 feet) above ground in trees, higher on cliffs. Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) Breeds February to July, with peak activity April and May. Clutch size 1-5 eggs, usually 3. Young are independent in 17 to 19 weeks. Habitat includes nests in dense riparian habitats. Builds a nest of sticks about half way up in a tall tree. Nest located next to main tree trunk, or on old nests of squirrels, hawks, or crows; lined with strips of bark, dry leaves, and sprigs of evergreens. Western screech owl (Megascops kennicottii) Breeds early February to June. Eggs mostly laid in April. Clutch size 1-8, usually 3-4. Incubation 21-30 day, with nestlings fledging at 28-35 days. Obligate secondary cavity- nester. Habitat includes uses such as abandoned woodpecker hole, or other cavity in snag, hollow tree, log, stump; occasionally uses nest box. Nest usually 4.6 to 18 m (15-60 ft) above ground. Barn owl (Tyto alba) Breeds January to November. Clutch size 3-11, usually 5-7. Incubation 21-24 days, with young fledging at 52-70 days. Habitat is usually nesting on ledges, crevices, or other sheltered areas of cliffs or human-made structures. Also nests in cavities in trees or snags, burrows, culverts, or nest boxes. Summary The information provided is from a limited survey effort during primarily the winter season, and as such, does not provide a robust analysis of wildlife usage of the Reserve. Further, as documented by 2017 survey efforts by Terra Verde, unauthorized nighttime use was ongoing prior to the implementation of the City’s pilot program for nighttime hiking. As such, it is likely that nighttime use will have an effect on wildlife occurring on the Reserve, but the extent and severity of that effect is unknown. Efforts to reduce use during the breeding, nesting, and rearing periods of a year will lessen potential impacts to wildlife. 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 If you should have any questions or require further information, please contact me at blangle@terraverdeweb.com. Sincerely, Brooke Langle Principal Biologist 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 March 4, 2021 Mr. Bob Hill Natural Resources Manager City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 RE: Summary and Results of Wildlife Surveys at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve, City of San Luis Obispo, California The City of San Luis Obispo (City) has conducted a pilot program for extending the hours of use for Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve (Reserve). This Reserve was selected based on location, surrounding land uses, proximity to traffic, and amount of use currently occurring on the Reserve. Terra Verde Environmental Consulting, LLC (Terra Verde) was retained to assist the City with gathering data that will help inform the City’s decision- making process for extended use hours of the Reserve. Initial surveys were completed in 2017 by Terra Verde prior to the implementation of the City’s Nighttime Use Pilot program. Following the pilot program, Terra Verde implemented once a month nighttime sampling in the winter of 2018 – 2019 and 2020 – 2021 to collect additional information about wildlife utilizing the Reserve. Below is a summary of the results of the 2020 – 2021 survey period. Survey Methodology Terra Verde biologists conducted four surveys that consisted of acoustic monitoring for bats and spotlighting for wildlife. For acoustic monitoring, a Pettersson D500x bat detector was placed along the southern margins of the eucalyptus grove near the intersection of Carriage Road Trail and Lemon Grove Loop . Acoustic recording occurred from just before sunset to approximately an hour after sunset. Following the survey, the recordings were analyzed using SonoBat US West (Szewczak) and recorded calls were identified to species level when possible. Spotlighting surveys were conducted along an approximate 2-mile loop consisting of the Lemon Grove Loop Trail and the M Trail. Surveyors walked the trail, stopping frequently to scan the surrounding area with high powered flashlights or spotlights. Any eyeshine detected was investigated with binoculars to identify species. All species observed 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 directly and/or indirectly (e.g., tracks, scat, call, remains, and acoustic observation) were documented. Survey details are summarized in Table 1 below. Table 1. Summary of Field Surveys Date Personnel Survey Type Conditions1 12/17/2020 Sara Snyder Adam Yaney-Keller Spotlighting Acoustic Monitoring Clear 63 – 60° F 5 – 10 mph winds 01/21/2021 Patrick Scott Riley Chestnut Spotlighting Acoustic Monitoring Clear to partially cloudy/foggy 56 – 50° F 1 – 5 mph winds 02/16/2021 Patrick Scott Adam Yaney-Keller Spotlighting Acoustic Monitoring Clear to partially cloudy/foggy 57 – 52° F 1 – 5 mph winds 03/02/2021 Sara Snyder Adam Yaney-Keller Spotlighting Acoustic Monitoring Partly cloudy 56 – 49° F 0 – 3 mph winds 1mph = miles-per-hour Survey Results Anthropogenic activity levels within the Reserve varied between the December 17, 2020 and March 2, 2021 survey efforts. High recreational use was observed during the December and January surveys. On December 17, the parking lot at the trailhead was full and large groups of hikers and mountain bikers were encountered throughout the survey duration. Recreational use was lower during the Febru ary and March surveys. Use consisted primarily of individuals or small groups of between two to four hikers, runners, and/or mountain bikers. Wildlife detections were low during the four surveys. Large and medium sized mammals , black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) and bobcat (Lynx rufus), were detected only during the February 16th survey when recreational use was low. Bats were detected either through acoustic monitoring or visually during three out of the four surveys. One California Species of Special Concern (CSC), western mastiff bat, was detected by the acoustic monitoring. In addition, an unidentified species of woodrat was observed. Certain species of woodrats are California Species of Special Concern. 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Table 2. Summary of Wildlife Detected Date Wildlife Detections Scientific Name Common Name Number of Individuals4 12/17/2020 Peromyscus maniculatus Deer mouse 1 Tadarida brasiliensis1 Mexican free-tailed bat Unknown Eumops perotis2 Western mastiff bat Unknown 01/21/2021 Bubo virginianus Great horned owl 1 Tadarida brasiliensis1 Mexican free-tailed bat Unknown 02/16/2021 Lynx rufus Bobcat 3 Odocoileus hemionus columbianus Black-tailed deer 2 Pseudacris sp. Chorus frog 2 03/02/2021 Peromyscus maniculatus Deer mouse 1 Neotoma sp.3 Woodrat 1 Tyto alba Barn owl 1 – Unidentified bat species5 2 1Recorded with Pettersson Ultrasound Detector 2California Species of Special Concern 3Certain species are California Species of Special Concern 4Number of individual could not be determine from acoustic recordings 5Observed visually Discussion The results of the three survey periods completed by Terra Verde (2017, 2018 – 2019, and 2020 – 2021) provide a small sample of wildlife utilizing Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve. A true inventory of species would require a long-term survey and monitoring effort occurring over multiple seasons and conditions to thoroughly understand and document wildlife usage of the Reserve. The Reserve is heavily used by the public including occasional unauthorized nighttime use prior to the City’s pilot program, as confirmed during the 2017 surveys. As such, baseline disturbance has been occurring on the Reserve. Impacts to wildlife by authorizing extended hours on the Reserve may include: • Disruption of normal foraging for nocturnal and crepuscular species (i.e., those that forage at or just after sundown). • Increased energy usage as a result of disturbance. • Disruption of breeding or nesting behaviors. • Increased risk for predation for species flushed by human activity . • Abandonment of habitat near recreational uses. 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 The amount of disturbance and impacts to wildlife species as a result of nighttime activity may be variable depending on the level of use, the type of use, and the season of use. For example, hikers that linger at certain locations will likely cause more disturbance than a single mountain bike passing by quickly. The addition of dogs, especially if not kept on leash, would increase the level of disturbance to wildlife using the Reserve. Wildlife can be particularly sensitive to disturbances during breeding, nesting, and rearing season. For example, maternal roosts of bats are particularly sensitive to disturbance and parents may abandon young/roosts during this season. The time of year that most species are breeding, nesting, and rearing is from February through early September. Therefore, increased use during this period may have the greatest negative impact on wildlife within the Reserve. Summary The results of these limited survey efforts, primarily outside of the breeding, nesting, and rearing season for wildlife, does not provide a robust analysis of wildlife usage of the Reserve. Further, as documented by 2017 survey efforts by Terra Verde, unauthorized nighttime use was ongoing prior to the implementation of the City’s pilot program for nighttime hiking. As such, it is likely that nighttime use will have an effect on wildlife occurring on the Reserve, but the extent and severity of that effect is unknown. Efforts to reduce use during the breeding, nesting, and rearing periods of a year will lessen potential impacts to wildlife. If you should have any questions or require further information, please contact me at ssnyder@terraverdeweb.com. Sincerely, Sara Snyder Wildlife Biologist Pilot Program for Extended Open Space Hours of Use During Winter Months Page 7 ATTACHMENT B City of San Luis Obispo Winter Evening Access - Pilot Program Statistics City of San Luis Obispo Winter Evening Access Pilot Program Statistics Dates of Program: November 4th, 2018 – March 10th, 2019 November 3rd, 2019 – March 8th, 2020 November 30th, 2020 – March 14th, 2021 LOCATION: CERRO SAN LUIS 1 Table of Contents 3 Year Overview ...................................................................................................................................................... 2 2018/2019 Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 5 November 2018 Statistics .......................................................................................................................... 8 December 2018 Statistics ........................................................................................................................ 10 January 2019 Statistics ............................................................................................................................. 12 February 2019 Statistics ........................................................................................................................... 14 March 2019 Statistics ............................................................................................................................... 16 2019/2020 Overview ............................................................................................................................................ 18 November 2019 Statistics ........................................................................................................................ 21 December 2019 Statistics ........................................................................................................................ 23 January 2020 Statistics ............................................................................................................................. 25 February 2020 Statistics ........................................................................................................................... 27 March 2020 Statistics ............................................................................................................................... 29 2020/20201 Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 30 November 2020 Statistics ........................................................................................................................ 33 December 2020 Statistics ........................................................................................................................ 35 January 2021 Statistics ............................................................................................................................. 37 February 2021 Statistics ........................................................................................................................... 39 March 2021 Statistics ......................................................................................................... NOT IN REPORT Links to Data ........................................................................................................................................................... 41 IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO UNDERSTAND BEFORE CONTINUING *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) **Program launch year revealed bugs within the permit site had bugs that allowed more than 65 permits to be pulled daily Data is collected purely during WEA program months. Report does not show data representing entire year. *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 2 3 Year Overview Year Total Volume* Average Day Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 2018/19 81139 639 2039 14.03 in 3160 2019/20 98328 774 1905 7.35 in 2747 2020/21 107968 900 1626 7.61 in 2702 Year Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Citations 2018/19 560 110 36 91 0 2019/20 1457 846 +206 148 1 2020/21 2344 1848 52 102 0 Trail User Comments During the three years of the WEA pilot program, Rangers recorded positive and negative comments made by trail users regarding the program. Rangers did not question or survey trail users, these were passively recorded. Satisfaction with WEA program was split relatively in half . Key Public Negatives Trash/litter left on trail Overcrowding on peak Loud music Getting lost on trail system Concern for wildlife Parking overflowing Upset with limitations on access Key Public Positives Ability to hike after work Rangers protecting resources Want program year-round Feel safer Tradition of hiking to Christmas tree Good family activity *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 3 Total Rainfall Weekly Totals 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 11/3 11/10 11/17 11/24 12/1 12/8 12/15 12/22 12/29 1/5 1/12 1/19 1/26 2/2 2/9 2/16 2/23 3/1 3/8Precipitation (inches)Date 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 14.03 7.35 7.61 Total Rainfall During WEA Program Dates 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11/4 11/11 11/18 11/25 12/2 12/9 12/16 12/23 12/30 1/6 1/13 1/20 1/27 2/3 2/10 2/17 2/24 3/2Pedestrian Volume*Week Weekly Total Volume* 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 3 Year Overview **Program launch year revealed bugs within the permit site had bugs that allowed more than 65 permits to be pulled daily 4 Permits Pulled **Issue w/ permit site Max daily permit line 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 11/311/1011/1711/2412/112/812/1512/2212/291/51/121/191/262/22/92/162/233/13/8Permits Pulled2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 7783 826 Hikers Bikers *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 5 2018/2019 Overview Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 81139 639 2039 14.03 in 3160 Total Rainfall (inches) Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Total (5pm – 5am) Total Night Volume* = 12471 Nightly Average Volume* = 99 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 11/311/1011/1711/2412/112/812/1512/2212/291/51/121/191/262/22/92/162/233/13/8Precipitation (inches)Date (2018/19) 0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 11/5 11/12 11/19 11/26 12/3 12/10 12/17 12/24 12/31 1/7 1/14 1/21 1/28 2/4 2/11 2/18 2/25 3/4Pedestrian Volume*Date (2018/19) Daily Total (12am - 12pm)Night Total (5pm - 5am) Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Citations 560 110 36 91 0 2018/19 Overview **Program launch year revealed bugs within the permit site had bugs that allowed more than 65 permits to be pulled daily 6 2018/19 Weekly Pedestrian Totals Comparison Total Permits Pulled 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11/4 11/11 11/18 11/25 12/2 12/9 12/16 12/23 12/30 1/6 1/13 1/20 1/27 2/3 2/10 2/17 2/24 3/2Pedestrian Volume*Week (2018/19) **Issue with Permit Site 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 11/411/1111/1811/2512/212/912/1612/2312/301/61/131/201/272/32/102/172/243/33/10Permits PulledDate (2018/19) 2853 307 Hiking Biking *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 7 Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* on Weekdays vs Weekends Nov Average Daily Pedestrian Volume* by Weekday 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrian Volume*Hour Weekdays Weekends 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday SundayAverage Pedestrian Volume* *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 8 November 2018 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 14934 553 1088 2.44 in 332 Total Rainfall (inches) Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Total (5pm – 5am) Total Night Volume* = 1299 Nightly Average Volume* = 50 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 11/411/511/611/711/811/911/1011/1111/1211/1311/1411/1511/1611/1711/1811/1911/2011/2111/2211/2311/2411/2511/2611/2711/2811/2911/30Precipitation (inches)Date (2018) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 11/511/611/711/811/911/1011/1111/1211/1311/1411/1511/1611/1711/1811/1911/2011/2111/2211/2311/2411/2511/2611/2711/2811/2911/30Pedestrian Volume*Date (2018) Daily Total Night Total (5pm - 5am) Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 80 12 0 25 4 November 2018 *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 9 Total Permits Pulled Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 11/411/511/611/711/811/911/1011/1111/1211/1311/1411/1511/1611/1711/1811/1911/2011/2111/2211/2311/2411/2511/2611/2711/2811/2911/30Permits PulledDate (2018) 222 110 Hiking Biking 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrian Volume*Hour Weekday Weekend *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 10 December 2018 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 31913 1029 1687 0.84 in 2050 113% increase in total Volume* from previous month Total Rainfall (inches) Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Hours (5pm – 5am) Total Night Volume* = 7586 Nightly Average Volume* = 245 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 12/112/212/312/412/512/612/712/812/912/1012/1112/1212/1312/1412/1512/1612/1712/1812/1912/2012/2112/2212/2312/2412/2512/2612/2712/2812/2912/3012/31Precipitation (inches)Date (2018) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 12/112/212/312/412/512/612/712/812/912/1012/1112/1212/1312/1412/1512/1612/1712/1812/1912/2012/2112/2212/2312/2412/2512/2612/2712/2812/2912/3012/31Pedestrian Volume*Date (2018) Daily Total Night Total (5pm - 5am) Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 325 52 36 16 3 December 2018 **Program launch year revealed bugs within the permit site had bugs that allowed more than 65 permits to be pulled daily 11 Total Permits Pulled Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* **Issue with Permit Site 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 12/112/212/312/412/512/612/712/812/912/1012/1112/1212/1312/1412/1512/1612/1712/1812/1912/2012/2112/2212/2312/2412/2512/2612/2712/2812/2912/3012/31Permits PulledDate (2018) 1946 104 Hikers Bikers 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrian Volume*Hour Weekday Weekend *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 12 January 2019 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 19276 622 2039 4.1 in 554 65% decrease in total Volume* from previous month Total Rainfall (inches) Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Hours (5pm – 5am) Total Night Volume* = 1966 Nightly Average Volume* = 63 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1/11/21/31/41/51/61/71/81/91/101/111/121/131/141/151/161/171/181/191/201/211/221/231/241/251/261/271/281/291/301/31Precipitation (inches)Date (2019) 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 1/11/21/31/41/51/61/71/81/91/101/111/121/131/141/151/161/171/181/191/201/211/221/231/241/251/261/271/281/291/301/31Pedestrian Volume*Date (2019) Daily Total Night Total (5pm - 5am) Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 95 20 0 17 8 January 2019 *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 13 Total Permits Pulled Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 1/1 1/3 1/5 1/7 1/9 1/11 1/13 1/15 1/17 1/19 1/21 1/23 1/25 1/27 1/29 1/31Permits PulledDate (2019) 472 82 Hiking Biking 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrian Volume*Hour Weekday Weekend *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 14 February 2019 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 12066 431 1446 4.61 in 255 Total Rainfall (inches) Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Hours (5pm – 5am) Total Night Volume* = 1244 Nightly Average Volume* = 44 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 2/12/22/32/42/52/62/72/82/92/102/112/122/132/142/152/162/172/182/192/202/212/222/232/242/252/262/272/28Precipitation (inches)Date (2019) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 2/12/22/32/42/52/62/72/82/92/102/112/122/132/142/152/162/172/182/192/202/212/222/232/242/252/262/272/28Pedestrain Volume*Date (2019) DAY NIGHT Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 50 26 0 25 13 February 2019 *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 15 Total Permits Pulled Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* (Weekday vs Weekend) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 2/1 2/3 2/5 2/7 2/9 2/11 2/13 2/15 2/17 2/19 2/21 2/23 2/25 2/27Permits PulledDate (2019) 168 11 Hiking Biking 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrain Volume*Hour WEEKDAY WEEKEND *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 16 March 2019 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 2950 295 827 2.04 in 45 Key Events Final day of Night Hike Program 03/10/2019 Total Rainfall Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Hours (5pm – 5am) 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 3/1 3/2 3/3 3/4 3/5 3/6 3/7 3/8 3/9 3/10Precipitation (inches)Date (2019) 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 3/1 3/2 3/3 3/4 3/5 3/6 3/7 3/8 3/9 3/10Pedestrain Volume*Date (2019) DAY NIGHT Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 10 0 0 8 4 March 2020 *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 17 Total Permits Pulled Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* (Weekday vs Weekend) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 3/1 3/2 3/3 3/4 3/5 3/6 3/7 3/8 3/9Permits PulledDate (2019) 45 Hiking Biking 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrain Volume*Date (2019) WEEKDAYS WEEKEND *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 18 2019/2020 Overview Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 98328 774 1905 7.35 in 2747 Total Rainfall (inches) Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Total (5pm – 5am) Total Night Volume* = 14042 Nightly Average Volume* = 111 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 11/311/1011/1711/2412/112/812/1512/2212/291/51/121/191/262/22/92/162/233/13/8Precipitation (inches)Date (2019/20) 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 11/311/1011/1711/2412/112/812/1512/2212/291/51/121/191/262/22/92/162/233/13/8Pedestrian Volume*Date (2019/20) Full Day Night Only Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Citations 1457 846 +206 148 1 2019/20 Overview *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 19 2019/20 Weekly Pedestrian Totals Comparison Total Permits Pulled 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 Pedestrian Volume*Week (2019/20) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 11/311/1011/1711/2412/112/812/1512/2212/291/51/121/191/262/22/92/162/233/13/8Permits PulledDate (2019/20) # of Permits Acquired 2405 342 Hikers Bikers 2019/20 Overview *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 20 Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* Monday – Sunday Average Daily Pedestrian Volume* by Weekday 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24Average Pedestrian ActivityHour Weekend Weekday 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday SundayAverage Pedestrian Volume* *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 21 November 2019 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 18693 623 918 2.56 in 275 Total Rainfall (inches) Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Hours (5pm – 5am) Total Night Volume* = 3418 Nightly Average Volume* = 122 1.02 0.77 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 11/311/411/511/611/711/811/911/1011/1111/1211/1311/1411/1511/1611/1711/1811/1911/2011/2111/2211/2311/2411/2511/2611/2711/2811/2911/30Precipitation (inches)Date (2019) 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 11/311/411/511/611/711/811/911/1011/1111/1211/1311/1411/1511/1611/1711/1811/1911/2011/2111/2211/2311/2411/2511/2611/2711/2811/2911/30Total Pedestrain Volume*Date (2019) DAY NIGHT Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 88 33 0 40 4 November 2019 *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 22 Total Number of Permits Required Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* Monday – Sunday 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 11/311/411/511/611/711/811/911/1011/1111/1211/1311/1411/1511/1611/1711/1811/1911/2011/2111/2211/2311/2411/2511/2611/2711/2811/2911/30Permits PulledDate (2019) 189 87 Hiking Permits Biking Permits 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrian Volume*Hour Weekday Weekend *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 23 December 2019 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 23822 +22% 768 +19% 1802 +96% 3.85 in +50% 1659 +503% Percent increase from previous month Key Events 12/3 - Christmas Tree went up 12/6 - Cal Poly Last Day of Classes 12/10 - 1 Parking Citation issued (Blocking Emergency Access Gate) 12/13 - Cal Poly Last Day of Finals Total Rainfall (inches) Total Pedestrian Volume* Total Night Volume* = 6008 Nightly Average Volume* = 194 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 12/112/212/312/412/512/612/712/812/912/1012/1112/1212/1312/1412/1512/1612/1712/1812/1912/2012/2112/2212/2312/2412/2512/2612/2712/2812/2912/3012/31Precipitation (inches)Date (2019) Tree Goes Up CP Classes end 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 12/112/212/312/412/512/612/712/812/912/1012/1112/1212/1312/1412/1512/1612/1712/1812/1912/2012/2112/2212/2312/2412/2512/2612/2712/2812/2912/3012/31Pedestrian Volume*Date (2019) Full Day Night (5pm - 5am) Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 1220 818 +206 158 10 December 2019 *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 24 Total Permits Pulled Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* Monday – Sunday 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 12/112/212/312/412/512/612/712/812/912/1012/1112/1212/1312/1412/1512/1612/1712/1812/1912/2012/2112/2212/2312/2412/2512/2612/2712/2812/2912/3012/31Permits PulledDate (2019) 1622 37 Hiking Permits Bike Permits 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrian Volume*Hour Weekday Weekend *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 25 January 2020 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 26874 +12% 867 +13% 1905 +6% 0.61 in -84% 518 -69% Percent increase from previous month Percent decrease from previous month Key Events 1/4 – Tree comes down Total Rainfall (inches) Total Pedestrian Volume* (Full Day vs Night 5pm-5am) Total Night Volume* = 2555 Nightly Average Volume* = 82 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1/11/21/31/41/51/61/71/81/91/101/111/121/131/141/151/161/171/181/191/201/211/221/231/241/251/261/271/281/291/301/31Precipitation (inches)Date (2020) Rain 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 1/11/21/31/41/51/61/71/81/91/101/111/121/131/141/151/161/171/181/191/201/211/221/231/241/251/261/271/281/291/301/31Daily Pedestrian Volume*Date (2020) Daily Count Night Count Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 103 0 0 34 1 January 2020 *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 26 Total Permits Pulled Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* Monday – Sunday 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 1/1 1/3 1/5 1/7 1/9 1/11 1/13 1/15 1/17 1/19 1/21 1/23 1/25 1/27 1/29 1/31Permits PulledDate (2020) # of Permits Acquired 394 124 Hiking Permits Bike Permits 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrian Volume*Hour Weekday Weekend *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 27 February 2020 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 23093 825 1439 0.04 in 255 Total Rainfall (inches) Total Pedestrian Volume* Total Night Volume* = 2969 Nightly Average Volume* = 102 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 2/12/22/32/42/52/62/72/82/92/102/112/122/132/142/152/162/172/182/192/202/212/222/232/242/252/262/272/282/29Precipitation (inces)Date (2020) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 2/12/22/32/42/52/62/72/82/92/102/112/122/132/142/152/162/172/182/192/202/212/222/232/242/252/262/272/282/29Pedestrian Volume*Date (2020) Full Day Night (5pm - 5am) Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 32 0 0 16 0 February 2020 *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 28 Total Permits Pulled Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* Monday – Sunday 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 2/1 2/3 2/5 2/7 2/9 2/11 2/13 2/15 2/17 2/19 2/21 2/23 2/25 2/27 2/29Permits PulledDate (2020) 169 86 Hiking Permits Bike Permits 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrian Volume*Hour Weekday Weekend *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 29 March 2020 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled NA NA NA 0.29 in 39 Data unavailable as counter stopped functioning 3/2/20 Key Events 3/2 - Data unavailable as counter stopped functioning 3/8 – Permit website taken down and placed into ‘maintenance mode’ Total Rainfall (inches) Total Permits Pulled 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 3/1 3/2 3/3 3/4 3/5 3/6 3/7 3/8Precipitation (inches)Date (2020) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 3/1 3/2 3/3 3/4 3/5 3/6 3/7 3/8Permits PulledDate (2020) Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 14 NA 0 6 1 31 8 Hiking Biking 30 2020/2021 Overview Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 107968 900 1626 7.61 in 2702 Program began later than usual daylight savings start. Began on November 30th as we were waiting for city council approval to continue the program and for the permitting website to be readied for launch. Total Rainfall (inches) Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Total (5pm – 5am) Total Night Volume* = 24630 Nightly Average Volume* = 205 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 11/311/1011/1711/2412/112/812/1512/2212/291/51/121/191/262/22/92/162/233/1Precipitation (inches)Date (2020/21) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 Pedestrian Volume*Date (2020/21) Daily Total (12am - 12pm)Night Total (5pm - 5am) Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Citations 2344 1848 52 102 0 2020/21 Overview *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 31 2020/21 Weekly Pedestrian Totals Comparison Total Permits Pulled 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 11/411/1111/1811/2512/212/912/1612/2312/301/61/131/201/272/32/102/172/24Pedestrian Volume*Week (2020/21) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Permits PulledDate (2020/21) 2525 177 Hikers Bikers 2020/21 Overview *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 32 Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* Monday – Sunday Average Daily Pedestrian Volume* by Weekday 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrian ActivityHour Weekdays Weekends 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday SundayAverage PEdestrian Volume* 33 November 2020 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 23609 762 1327 0.21 in 25 Total Rainfall (inches) Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Hours (5pm – 5am) Total Night Volume* = 607 Nightly Average Volume* = 20 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 11/111/211/311/411/511/611/711/811/911/1011/1111/1211/1311/1411/1511/1611/1711/1811/1911/2011/2111/2211/2311/2411/2511/2611/2711/2811/2911/30Precipitation (inches)Date (2020) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 11/111/211/311/411/511/611/711/811/911/1011/1111/1211/1311/1411/1511/1611/1711/1811/1911/2011/2111/2211/2311/2411/2511/2611/2711/2811/2911/30Total Pedestrian Volume*Date (2020) Daily Count Night Count Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 6 1 0 3 0 November 2020 *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 34 Total Number of Permits Required Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* Monday – Sunday Permit site goes live 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 23 2 Hiking Permits Biking Permits 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrian Volume*Hour Weekday Weekend 35 December 2020 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 32591 1018 1465 0.95 in 1986 38% increase in total Volume* from previous month Total Rainfall (inches) Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Hours (5pm – 5am) Total Night Volume* = 7662 Nightly Average Volume* = 247 0.5 0.4 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 12/112/212/312/412/512/612/712/812/912/1012/1112/1212/1312/1412/1512/1612/1712/1812/1912/2012/2112/2212/2312/2412/2512/2612/2712/2812/2912/3012/31Precipitation (inches)Date (2020) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 12/112/212/312/412/512/612/712/812/912/1012/1112/1212/1312/1412/1512/1612/1712/1812/1912/2012/2112/2212/2312/2412/2512/2612/2712/2812/2912/3012/31Daily Pedestrian Volume*Date (2020) Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 2044 1619 52 42 2 December 2020 *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 36 Total Number of Permits Required Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* Monday – Sunday 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 12/112/312/512/712/912/1112/1312/1512/1712/1912/2112/2312/2512/2712/2912/31Permits PulledDate (2020) 1986 85 Hiking Permits Bike Permits 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrian Volume*Hour Weekdays Weekends 37 January 2021 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 25015 807 1626 6.31 in 563 30% decrease in total Volume* from previous month Total Rainfall (inches) Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Hours (5pm – 5am) Total Night Volume* = 3820 Nightly Average Volume* = 123 2.06 3.21 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 1/1 1/3 1/5 1/7 1/9 1/11 1/13 1/15 1/17 1/19 1/21 1/23 1/25 1/27 1/29 1/31Precipitation (inches)Date (2021) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 1/11/21/31/41/51/61/71/81/91/101/111/121/131/141/151/161/171/181/191/201/211/221/231/241/251/261/271/281/291/301/31Daily Pedestrian Volume*Date (2021) Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 210 165 0 24 6 January 2021 *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 38 Total Number of Permits Required Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* Monday – Sunday 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 1/1 1/3 1/5 1/7 1/9 1/11 1/13 1/15 1/17 1/19 1/21 1/23 1/25 1/27 1/29 1/31Permits PulledDate (2021) 502 61 Hikers Bikers 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Pedestrian ActivityHour Weekdays Weekends 39 February 2021 Statistics Total Volume* Average Daily Volume* Peak Volume* Total Rainfall Permits Pulled 26753 955 1620 0.14 in 124 Total Rainfall (inches) Daily Total Pedestrian Volume* vs Night Hours (5pm – 5am) Total Night Volume* = 2991 Nightly Average Volume* = 111 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 2/12/22/32/42/52/62/72/82/92/102/112/122/132/142/152/162/172/182/192/202/212/222/232/242/252/262/272/28Precipitation (inches)Date (2021) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2/12/22/32/42/52/62/72/82/92/102/112/122/132/142/152/162/172/182/192/202/212/222/232/242/252/262/27Daily Pedestrian CountDate (2021) Total Ranger Contacts In OS wo/Permit # Turned Away Hours Logged Rainy Days 84 63 0 16 1 February 2021 *Volume refers to the total count of pedestrians traveling in both directions (IN and OUT) 40 Total Number of Permits Required Average Hourly Pedestrian Volume* Monday – Sunday 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 2/1 2/3 2/5 2/7 2/9 2/11 2/13 2/15 2/17 2/19 2/21 2/23 2/25 2/27Permits PulledDate (2021) 97 27 Hikers Bikers 0 50 100 150 200 250 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23Average Activity Volume*Hour Weekdays Weekends 41 Links to Data Raw data is pulled from and accessible via Eco-Visio. Compiled data relevant to WEA program can be found in the following folder: SharePoint -> Parks and Rec -> Ranger Service -> Night Hiking Link to Excel Document with graph data